Dell PowerVault ME4 Series Storage System Administrator’s Guide

Update controller module firmware

Perform the following steps to update the firmware on a controller module:

1. Perform one of the following as a user with the manage role:
   • In the banner, click the system panel and select Update Firmware.
   • In the System topic, select Action > Update Firmware.

     The Update Firmware panel opens. The Update Controller Modules tab displays versions of firmware that are currently installed for the components in each controller.

2. Click Browse and select the firmware file to install.
3. Optionally, select or clear the Partner Firmware Update (PFU) check box to enable or disable PFU, and confirm the action.
   NOTE:For information about which controller module updates the other when a controller module is replaced, see About firmware update.
4. Click OK.
   A Progress of Firmware Update panel displays the firmware-update progress.

   The process starts by validating the firmware file:

   • If the file is invalid, verify that you specified the correct firmware file. If you did, try downloading it again from the source location.
   • If the file is valid, the process continues.
     CAUTION:Do not perform a power cycle or controller restart during a firmware update. If the update is interrupted or there is a power failure, the module might become inoperative. If this issue occurs, contact technical support. The module might need to be returned to the factory for reprogramming.

     Firmware update typically takes 10 minutes for a controller with current CPLD firmware, or 20 minutes for a controller with downlevel CPLD firmware. If the controller enclosure has connected enclosures, allow additional time for each expansion module enclosure management processor (EMP) to be updated. This task typically takes 2.5 minutes for each EMP in a drive enclosure.

     If the Storage Controller cannot be updated, the update operation is canceled. Verify that you specified the correct firmware file and repeat the update. If this problem persists, contact technical support.

     When firmware update on the local controller is complete, users are automatically signed out and the MC restarts. Until the restart is complete, sign-in pages say that the system is currently unavailable. When this message is cleared, you may sign in again.

     If PFU is enabled, allow as additional 10 minutes to 20 minutes for the partner controller to be updated.

5. Clear your web browser cache, then sign in to the PowerVault Manager. If PFU is still running on the controller you sign in to, a panel shows PFU progress and prevents you from performing other tasks until PFU is complete.
   NOTE:If PFU is enabled for the system, after firmware update has completed on both controllers, check the system health. If the system health is Degraded and the health reason indicates that the firmware version is incorrect, verify that you specified the correct firmware file and repeat the update. If this problem persists, contact technical support.